Episode 21

21 - Once Upon a Time There was a Story

21- Once Upon a Time, There Was a Story


We’re talking about the eight steps to telling a great story. So, what does it take to captivate your audience and leave them wanting more? Well, it all starts with a hook - something that grabs their attention and draws them in. From there, you need to use descriptive words to build intrigue and keep the story short and relevant. Weave emotions and motivations into the events, and practice telling the story with different tones and gestures. And, of course, you need to consider your audience and focus on the journey, not just the destination. To find out more about how to craft a great story, listen to this episode!

Links

https://startwithsmallsteps.com/?p=2449

https://www.scienceofpeople.com/captivate/

https://theartofcharm.com/art-of-personal-development/how-to-tell-a-great-story/

https://theartofcharm.com/podcast-episodes/785-how-to-tell-a-great-story-in-8-easy-steps/

Jill’s Links
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/startwithsmallsteps

Twitter startwithsmallsteps

Email the podcast at jill@startwithsmallsteps.com

About the Podcast

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Start with Small Steps
Thoughtful personal growth through small, realistic steps you can use in everyday life.

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About your host

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Jill McKinley

I’m Jill from the Northwoods. Professionally, I work in Health IT, where I untangle complex systems and help people use technology more effectively. But at heart, I’m a curious lifelong learner—always exploring how things work, why people grow the way they do, and how even the smallest steps can spark real transformation. That curiosity fuels everything I do, from problem-solving at work to sharing insights through my creative projects.

My journey wasn’t always easy. Growing up, I faced a rough childhood, and books became my lifeline. They introduced me to voices of ancient wisdom, modern psychology, and the natural world around me. Those pages taught me resilience, gave me perspective, and helped me see that wisdom is everywhere—waiting to be noticed, gathered, and shared.